Investigations into fish deaths and sick kangaroos

The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) is working closely with other government agencies, including the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA), to determine the cause of sickness and deaths of kangaroos at Tunkalilla on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

The investigations follow confirmation last month that the dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi was the cause of a microalgae bloom where hundreds of dead sea creatures washed up at Encounter Bay and Basham Beach.

Following reports of sick kangaroos at Tunkalilla, PIRSA has been investigating mortalities and is undertaking a disease investigation, including testing for Phalaris grass toxicity.

Phalaris grass - also known as canary grass - is found throughout the area and there have been reports that it has been heavily grazed.

However, neurological signs displayed by impacted kangaroos were not typical of Phalaris grass toxicity.

Results from the disease investigation, including tests to determine if Phalaris grass toxicity could be the cause, are expected this week.

Water samples have also been taken from the area to test for the presence of microalgae to determine if it could have contributed to the kangaroo sickness and deaths.

DEW has closed Waitpinga and Parsons beaches, which are within the Newland Head Conservation Park, until further notice for public safety due to the algal bloom.

Beachgoers, including surfers, reported sore eyes, blurry vision and coughing after visiting the beaches.

Details on National Parks closures can be found here.

SA Health has advised there are no long term effects on humans who are exposed to Karenia mikimotoi and that symptoms disappeared when the exposure stops or following washing in clean water.

People are encouraged to avoid contact with discoloured fresh or marine water and if they do enter this water, they should take care to wash in clean water afterwards.